3i today announces it has made a further investment in AES Engineering Ltd. (“AES”), the holding company of the AESSEAL Group, which is a world leader in the mechanical sealing industry.

3i first invested in AES in 1996.  This secondary investment increases its equity stake to 40% and values the business at £100m.  Founder and CEO Chris Rea will retain a majority interest and control of the business. 

The new funding will allow AES to continue its impressive growth and consider acquisition opportunities worldwide.

AES was founded in 1979 by Chris Rea.  Over the last 25 years, the business has achieved an unbroken track record of turnover and profit growth.

Coinciding with 3i’s increased investment, Hamdi Conger, previously non-executive director will become chairman of AES.  The Rt Hon William Hague MP remains as non-executive director of AES and Richard Bishop of 3i will also join the board as a non-executive director.  Neil MacDonald, who was previously the Finance Director at the international engineering group Firth Rixson, has joined as Finance Director. 

Gordon Hague of 3i, commented: "AES is a world class business with a fantastic track record of profitable growth, an entrepreneurial leader supported by a strong team, and international growth prospects.  I''m delighted that 3i is able to provide significant further investment to help the company achieve its growth potential."

Chris Rea commented: "3i has been a fantastic partner, so the Board of AES is extremely happy that they will help us with the next stage of our development and on a personal level I am pleased to say that the due diligence process was much less painful than training for a marathon!” 
  
 3i was advised by Yunus Seedat of Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds and due diligence support was provided by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.  Management was advised by Deloitte Corporate Finance and by Kevin Cunningham of Irwin Mitchell. 

Martin Jenkins, Corporate Finance Partner at Deloitte said: “AES has developed from a start-up 25 years ago to a business operating from over 60 sites in 30 countries and is now the 4th largest mechanical seals company in the world with exports to 83 countries.  This transaction builds on an already successful partnership.”